Meaning: The quote you're referencing is from Thomas Bulfinch, an American writer best known for his collections of mythology and legend, including "Bulfinch's Mythology." In this particular quote, Bulfinch is referring to the decline of the Roman Empire and its impact on Northern Europe in the centuries following Christ's time.

The decline of the Roman power, as mentioned in the quote, refers to the gradual disintegration of the Roman Empire, which began in the 3rd century AD and culminated in the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD. This period of decline was characterized by political instability, economic turmoil, and military conflicts, which ultimately led to the fragmentation of the once-mighty empire.

As the Roman Empire weakened and eventually collapsed, its dominions in Northern Europe were left without a strong, centralized government. This power vacuum created a state of disarray and uncertainty, as the regions that had been under Roman control were now without a unifying authority to govern them. This lack of a national government meant that the countries of Northern Europe were faced with the challenge of establishing new forms of governance and leadership to fill the void left by the retreating Roman administration.

The aftermath of the Roman Empire's decline had profound and lasting effects on the political, social, and economic landscape of Northern Europe. Without a central authority to maintain order and stability, the region experienced a period of decentralization and fragmentation, as local and regional powers vied for control and influence. This era, often referred to as the "Dark Ages," was marked by a lack of strong, centralized governance and a general breakdown of the political and administrative structures that had been established during the Roman era.

During this time, various Germanic tribes, such as the Franks, Visigoths, and Vandals, seized the opportunity to assert their dominance in the power vacuum left by the retreating Romans. These tribal groups established their own kingdoms and spheres of influence, further contributing to the political and territorial fragmentation of Northern Europe.

The absence of a unified national government also had significant implications for the economic and social fabric of Northern Europe. Trade and commerce, which had thrived under the Roman Empire, were disrupted as a result of the political upheaval and instability. The decline of long-distance trade routes and the breakdown of centralized economic systems led to a more localized and self-sufficient economy, with communities relying on subsistence agriculture and small-scale trade for their livelihoods.

In the absence of a strong central authority, societal structures and norms also underwent significant changes. The decline of the Roman power allowed for the emergence of new social hierarchies and power dynamics, as local leaders and warlords rose to prominence in the absence of overarching imperial control. This period of upheaval and transformation laid the groundwork for the feudal system that would come to dominate medieval Europe, with local lords and nobles exerting control over their respective territories and vassals.

In summary, Thomas Bulfinch's quote encapsulates the far-reaching consequences of the decline of the Roman power on the countries of Northern Europe. The absence of a national government in the wake of the empire's collapse led to a period of political, economic, and social upheaval, laying the groundwork for the profound transformations that would shape the medieval era in the region.